How can we save our hospital?

[VictoriaG]

I am an OR nurse at a small rural county-owned hospital in mid-Michigan. I came here 2 years ago from a large teaching hospital, in need of a change in specialty and location. I feel like I am working in a combat zone. The hospital was once a thriving facility, but it has become so sub-standard, that the only patients we serve are the very old and those who are too poor to get a ride to neighboring citiy hospitals.

The conditions at our hospital are truly unbelievable. The CEO totally rules the hospital, and has brought the term "micro-management" to a new level. She even oversees the mainteneance and housekeeping crew. We work with old and broken equipment, totally obsolete and on the verge of collapse. Nothing is maintained and is only replaced when it is beyond repair, and then it is replaced with borrowed, donated, or used equipment. Last summer, our very old back-up generator bit the dust during a surgery, and we finished the surgery using flashlights. Our CEO prides herself on running in the black, and ties up every available cent in investments. Even donations from local businesses disapear into an investment portfolio. The hospital only employs 5 housekeepers, and it is beyond dirty. Everywhere you look you can see blatant violations of Health Department, OSHA and JCAHO standards. There are no charge nurses, and no nurse managers, so nursing care is poor. Policies and procedures are not upheld as there is no one to oversee them.

The Board of Directors is comprised of a group of individuals, lawyers, business owners, and a judge, who would not be caught dead in our dirty nasty facility. They are only interested in being board members to enhance their resumes. In desperation, a group of nurses and doctors met with them recently and were told that our hospital is good enough for the population it serves. We are all sad and depressed by this reaction from the Board.

Surprisingly, nurses are paid extremely well here, and we all pull together as a team. We keep hoping that things will improve, but the only way that could happen is for our CEO to be replaced. She has no respect for her employees or the patients we serve and she is running this hospital into the ground. I could tell you the most shocking stories about this place.

Where do we turn? We have great fear of reprisal from her if she knew we reported her to any agency. We desperately need advice.

VictoriaG

[MRed94]

While I agree with most of what has been said here, I cannot agree that your patients are more important than the rest of your career.

I, too, would bail as fast as possible.

I know it is a difficult situation, but not having your license or a way to help support yourself or your family is MUCH more difficult....in the long run.

I still think there is an option, there is a "whistle-blower's" law out there to protect you.

Make sure you make much documentation, take pics if you can, and do all that you can to make sure your a$$ is covered....

You don't need this stress, and you certainly don't need a lawsuit.

OSHA and whoever else is there to protect the patients, let them do their jobs......

Either way, you are seriously risking your life and your career.

Maybe it is time to talk to the MDs again, and maybe go to the local Nursing Association, if you are affiliated......

Somebody HAS to be able to do something about that, Regulatory or someone.

Keep YOURSELF above water, and remember that we are all here for you to lean on.

Hugs and prayers....

Marla

[debbyed]

How has the hospital managed to pass Joint Accreditation?

As long as you work there, I am afraid, that you are just a guilty of putting patients in danger as the CEO. I am not attacking you personally because I can tell the reasons you stay are selfless but the bottom line that the courts look at is "What would a reasonable, prudent nurse do?? I don't think you would have much of a defense if you had to justify your position in court.

The one thing you do have on your side is the whistle blowers law. You need to contact the States Attorney's office and well as Medicare/Medicaid. And you need to do this now. You have already publically admitted you know of all of these violations (Yes, you could even be traced from here) so you are morally, ethically and maybe even legally responsible for reporting them.

You need to protect yourself, protect your family and protect your patient population, and you need to do it now.

My thoughts are with you.